Treatment of dry mouth

Treatment for dry mouth depends on what is causing the problem. Generally, treatment of a dry mouth focuses on three areas:

• Practicing Good Oral Hygiene (see below)
• Managing underlying medical conditions causing the dry mouth
• Preventing tooth decay
• Increasing flow of saliva if possible

If a dry mouth is caused by a health related situation that can be changed, your dentist or doctor may consider making a change. For example, if your dry mouth is caused by a medication, your doctor may change the medication or adjust the dosage. However, if the underlying medical condition causing the dry mouth cannot be changed, treatment may focus on ways to increase saliva flow. Not only does saliva help digest food and make it possible for you to chew and swallow, it is a natural mouth cleanser. Without saliva, tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to occur.